JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A retired Jacksonville Sheriff's officer died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle on Hendricks Avenue Friday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Charles Wilson Jr., 68 was walking across Hendricks Avenue at the intersection of River Oaks Road when he was struck by a car, driven by Andrew McDonald Scuderi, 23. A crash scene investigator said Scuderi attempted to avoid hitting Wilson.

First responders transported Wilson to Shands Jacksonville where he later died.

"The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences and prayers to the Wilson family, and Charlie's extended JSO family and many friends," JSO Undersheriff Dwain Senterfitt said in a release.

The family shared their memories of Charles Wilson with First Coast News. They say he was a good Christian man and he turned many people toward the Lord. He dedicated his service to God, family, homeless shelters and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

He was a Vietnam Veteran and was very patriotic, his family said. They said he went to prisons to minister and share his music for the past 10 years. He loved to play the harmonica. He was an active member of First Baptist Church.

He married his wife Jacquelyn 46 years ago.

He was with JSO for a total of 47 years. The family said he never called in sick. The first stint was for 36 years. He was a sergeant. He retired in 2004, and went back to work for JSO a year later as bailiff sergeant at the courthouse for eight years. He retired the second time at the end of January. He was planning a trip with his wife to Mt. Vernon in Virginia this June.

He loved animals and had dogs throughout the years. He loved to walk. He walked two miles per day, his family said. He was off on one of his two mile walks this morning when, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, a man driving a car hit. He died from his injuries.